By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities
A Nevada HOA says that a Vietnam veteran, Neil Johnson, can keep his patriotic van parked in his driveway.
The Palm Hills HOA community, Henderson, NV, enforces rules that prohibit commercial vehicles parked in driveways.
Johnson’s van is painted with stars and stripes of the American flag.
In March, Palm Hills classified the van as a commercial vehicle, and issued multiple parking citations. The HOA also threatened to tow the van from his driveway.
But Johnson explained that he’s a member of Vietnam Veterans of America. He uses the vehicle to honor fallen soldier at funerals, not for business purposes. Therefore, it’s not a commercial vehicle, and not against HOA rules.
The story made national news earlier this spring. Following that coverage, the veteran’s neighbors rallied to his side, defending Johnson’s right to park the vehicle in his driveway.
Most homeowners agree that the van isn’t doing any harm, and it’s not blocking the sidewalk. Therefore, the HOA should respect the van decorated with stars and stripes, and allow the homeowner to park it in his driveway.
Johnson says the HOA has now decided to drop the issue. It’s unclear exactly why the HOA changed their minds. But Johnson says he’s glad they’ve settled their “misunderstanding.” ♦
News sources:
Fox focus-Veteran battles HOA on parking patriotic van in driveway
by WRSP/WCCU Staff | Monday, May 27th 2019
HOA fight over van for local volunteer veterans
Kelsey Thomas, KSNV Fox News | Thursday, March 14th 2019